![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 420
|
![]()
A serpent, moons, suns, and an arabic inscription:
"If Allah should aid you, no one can over come you, no win but from Allah, Allah akbar" Quran -ali imran 160 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 456
|
![]()
That is an unusually nice example, congrats.
This is etching, not engraving. It's an important distinction. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Czech Republic
Posts: 841
|
![]()
Congratulations. Also scabbard is nice - it is rare to find it with the typical and complete (with trappings) belt. I am of the opinion that such dilute whity crocodile skin is sign of a pretty good age.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 420
|
![]()
My translator adds more information on the inscription:
" if Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you" -Ali imran 160 وما النصر الا من عند الله العزيز الحكيم "Victory cometh only by the help of Allah the mighty, wise" -Al anfal 10 الله اكبر "Allah is great" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
|
![]()
Sorry for ignorance; isn't the inscription in the inverted position ?
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,868
|
![]()
Beautiful blade!
As always, I would defer to Iain on whether European or not, but I am inclined to think it is one of the 19th c. imports from Solingen, and inscribed by Sudanese artisans. The profuse motif with serpent (representing the python) and the crescent moons in linear and varied configuration have to do with the devotional panels (lohr) in the Islamic Faith along with the folk religious traditions (Briggs, 1967). The mounts and guard seem typical Kasallawi of more recent times, which is characteristic of heirloom blades refurbished many times through generations. The pale crocodile skin is of the belly and also typical of the hide used in sword decoration from Darfur and into eastern Sudanese areas. Fantastic example!! Look and compare with other great discussions on these over many years by using our search feature at the top header. Tons of information is archived on these and virtually all sword forms and will add incredible dimension to the appreciation of these weapons. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE
Posts: 4,408
|
![]() Quote:
![]() For me these are great pictures and using Library noted by Jim (Search) this can be a great thread. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 420
|
![]()
image corrected
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
|
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: OKLAHOMA, USA
Posts: 3,138
|
![]()
AN IMPRESSIVE SWORD AND NO DOUBT THE SWORDSMAN WAS WELL VERSED TOO.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 420
|
![]()
My many thanks to Artzi from Oriental arms for releasing this beautiful sword to me from his private collection.
Last edited by Marcus; 28th September 2016 at 10:36 PM. Reason: spelling |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 420
|
![]()
Estimates on how old anyone?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 | |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,145
|
![]() Quote:
look at this link http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...moons+solingen For me the blade and guard are old, 19th the hilt and scabbard are recent, 20th |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Olomouc
Posts: 1,693
|
![]()
The guard looks to be a 20th century example in the Kassala style. A close up image would be helpful. The blade could be an import but I think is more likely a 20th century example.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 420
|
![]()
Pictures thereof
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Olomouc
Posts: 1,693
|
![]()
Thanks, the guard is certainly 20th century. The looks to be older and has had significant grinding at the base. Fullers look pretty good, could well be an import from the 19th century.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,145
|
![]()
I'm afraid to say that Iain is absolutely right, the guard is recent like the scabbard. I'm sure that the European blade is old 18 or 19th c. and the stamps look geniune. The African engravings are of a very good quality and there is not reason to doubt of the blade.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 407
|
![]()
Super sword! The blade appears that it may be older than the engraving. It looks to me that the engraving is cut over some older blade pitting and has not been distorted by subsequent scratches. Also, it appears that a portion on the central fuller has been smoothed away to give a surface for it Arabic text.
The two crescent moons are more likely a local maker's mart and not part of the subsequent engraving. That would suggest a locally made blade with forged fullers. I can't hazard where and when the sword was made, but due to the grip and scabbard decorations it was finally outfitted in the Nile Valley region. Best, Ed |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|